Tao Ishizuka '18 on Scoring His First Pro Hockey Goal

On April 6, 2024, Tao Ishizuka ’18 scored his first professional goal—a huge achievement for any hockey player. Just a month later, he crossed another goal off his list: reaching the top of his class as valedictorian of Curry College’s Class of 2024, earning a BS in biochemistry with minors in mathematics and sociology. “It was nice to see my hard work and dedication pay off,” said Ishizuka.

Ishizuka played 102 games for the boys hockey team while at Govs. At Curry, he steadily improved on the ice while also excelling in the classroom. As captain, Ishizuka led Curry to the NCAA quarterfinals with a career-high in scoring. Though he admits balancing classes, labs, and practices was hectic, he was well prepared. “Govs taught me my time management skills,” said Ishizuka.

Two weeks after Curry’s season ended, Ishizuka joined Georgia’s Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League, scoring his first pro goal in front of a raucous home crowd in the season finale. “It’s something that I will never forget,” said Ishizuka. “The light show, goal horn, replay of my goal on the jumbotron, and support from the fans was a special experience.”

Ishizuka will rejoin Mayhem this fall, but eventually plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research and potentially obtain a PhD.

“The light show, goal horn, replay of my goal on the jumbotron, and support from the fans was a special experience.”